Considerations for Building Fire Bunkers

What are the reasons people consider building fire bunkers?

Some people who build bunkers are worried that they won’t be able to get out if a wildfire strikes.
Others are concerned about the awful possibility of being stuck on one of our dead-end roads in the middle of a fire.

If you are determined to add a fire shelter or bunker to your fire survival plan, we offer thoughts about preparing a well-designed fire bunker at your home well in advance of any need. Keep in mind that creating a fire bunker - a place to shelter in place as safely as possible - can be quite costly.

Sheltering in place in an emergency is covered in detail in the "Save Your Life" page. Be sure to take a look at that page.

Wildfire is ERRATIC, UNPREDICTABLE, and usually UNDERESTIMATED. Life safety is always the most important consideration! Homes and things can be replaced. Your life cannot.

Remember: Evacuating early is just about always the best option for saving your life.

Wildland fire in California — Wildfires can be just that- wild and unpredictable

What is a Fire Shelter or Bunker?

A shelter could be your home, an outbuilding, or shop that has been well-hardened against ignition, and has an adequate defensible surrounding.

Want to Stay and Defend?

Even though evacuating early is recommendedm, some people really want to shelter in place - they want to stay and defend their homes against spot fires that can go on long after a main fire front has passed.

Prepare for Temperatures Up To 2,000 Degrees Fahrenheit

It is critical that your space is air-tight, has enough oxygen for the occupants, and is very well-insulated. According to USFS National Technology and Development, wildland fires are typically 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit and sometimes reach 2,000 degrees or more. Humans can tolerate 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a brief time and 250 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. Underground bunkers offer…

Characteristics needed for a Fire Bunker

Stair access that has a three-hour fire door or hatch and a smoke-proof and airtight seal, or two sets of fire doors for radiant heat protection.

Where to Build or Install a Fire Bunker

(information borrowed from Australia)

Test Yourself - Quiz!

Even if you have a prepared shelter, wildfires can be noisy, dark, incredibly hot, and very scary. Wildfire fatalities most commonly occur when people leave their homes too late and are overtaken by fire. If you are thinking that sheltering in place might be for you, take the Quiz below to assess your preparedness. If you answer “No” to any of the questions, plan to evacuate early.

Food for Thought from Australia

Read an article from the Green House Healing folks in Australia that is intended to stimulate thought about fire bunkers and whether they are an option to consider. The article is not a 'how to…

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